Here’s a delightful conversation between friends: Akasajoti, based in London, UK and the recently ordained Varadhi, in Melbourne, Australia!

Akasajoti and Varadhi explore their favourite mind-training slogans – ‘of the two witnesses, hold the principal one’ and ‘liberate yourself by examining and analysing’ – looking at how empowering it can be to bring greater honesty and self-awareness into their lives.

Dhammakumara, from the UK, but currently based in Sydney, Australia, in conversation with Prajnaketu, talks about how he’s been making his life a life of practice during the lockdown. Touching on responding to fear and overwhelm and coming back to the practice of just being with his current experience, whether that’s drinking coffee or reading the news…

Garavavati, living in a women’s residential Buddhist community in London, UK, shares her reflections around this slogan, particularly the choice we have between the limiting restrictions of experiencing blame and the freedom in choosing to take responsibility for our own minds.

⁣⁣⁣Reflecting that our actions have consequences, Garavavati concludes that the potential of reflecting on this slogan could lead to the ultimate freedom and protection of Awakening.

Simharava, living in the women’s residential Buddhist community in Berlin, Germany, talks about how she is trying to help alleviate suffering at the moment and, in particular, shares her thoughts on the Buddhist figure of the Avalokiteshvara - associated with Great Compassion - who holds the wish-fulfilling jewel to his heart.

Noting how Avalokiteshvara listens to the suffering in the world but at the same time radiates rainbow light and compassion, Simharava explores how that myth might play out in her own life.

We are delighted to say that this week we will be joined by a team of Young Order members who will be sharing their reflections on the Seven-Point Mind Training material. First up is Prajnaketu, Triratna’s Young Buddhist coordinator.

Prajnaketu, from sunny Oxford, UK, shares his thoughts on the teaching of the Four Reminders: our precious human birth, death and impermanence, karma and rebirth, and the defects of samsara. Noting that these reflections can be a bit of...

How do we make the most of this period of lockdown as a time to develop without getting pressured about it? Join other 18-30s at this informal conversation to share your experiences and connect with others from around the world.

No need to RSVP – just show up with your favourite hot drink (appropriate to your time zone)!

What does friendship look like now? I’m Prajnaketu and I’ve been back in the UK for seven weeks, after travelling in India, and apart from my girlfriend (who I live with) in all that time I’ve seen just one of my friends in person. I’m sure this is a familiar situation to many of us.

So how are you finding this? What does it mean for us to say ‘I’ll be there for you’ when ‘there’ means more like ‘over there’...

This is a more personal celebration of Dr Ambedkar’s birthday by a young Buddhist, Dikesh Shambharkar, and her family in Nagpur. Do have a look, you’ll feel you are in an Indian home celebrating with a family. Happy Birthday Dr Ambedkar, who gave so much to the world!